North Alabama legislators seek help from attorney general on question of weed problem in Lake Guntersville

MONTGOMERY -- The Tennessee Valley Legislative Caucus is seeking assistance from Attorney General Luther Strange in it quest for answers about who is responsible for controlling weeds in Lake Guntersville.

The caucus has asked Strange's office for an advisory opinion on whether those duties fall under the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Valley Authority.

The 22-member caucus has scheduled a May 6 meeting with TVA officials to discuss the management of aquatic plants in the 69,000-acre reservoir.

Except for public areas, TVA has not applied herbicides to the lake since 2009.Rep. Wes Long, R-Guntersville, said the overgrowth of plants in the popular lake adversely affects tourism, recreation, property values, safety and navigation.

"Diligent efforts have been made to work with TVA on this and we've been patient, but we need to know who is legally in charge." Long said in a statement.

Non-native species, Eurasian watermilfoil and hydrilla, introduced into the lake in the 1960s and 70s have flourished, covering vast areas of the lake. The exotic weeds can choke out native aquatic plant species.

While legislators contend that TVA has responsibility under its federally mandated charter for land and water stewardship, Long said, "Hopefully the attorney general's office will help us determine what recourse we have."